Holden 1981 WB Statesman Caprice

The ultimate (arguably) in Australian made luxury in 1981 was the Statesman Caprice. Big, powerful and luxurious. It had it all. It also had one other aspect that I liked. It looked good. Now this wont be every Aussies favourite ‘Stato’. I can see how many would argue the 70’s versions looked better. But this one was the one I always wanted.

The model we are looking at here is the Trax Select Series WB Statesman. I believe less than 800 were produced and made to order only so theyre pretty much a limited issue model. They decided to present it in Nutmeg Metallic. I would have preferred a white one. I seem to remember there being more white ones around than any other colour. Maybe thats because they might have been used as Com-Cars. Commonwealth Govt. Politician’s rides. I dont know about that so dont quote me. They may have used Ford Fairlanes or LTDs. Again, I speculate.

 

All of the WB Caprices were fitted with Holden’s 5 litre V8 and automatic transmission. They had enough torque to shunt the big Stato around. They were made to compete with the Euro luxury cars, and were priced accordingly. They were around 20 grand when released, a fair bit of coin back in the day. This car was about cruising in style, not about screaming down the 1/4 mile. Would I have one now? Would I what!

 

 

 

Aussie Panel Van: Holden 1974 HJ Sandman by Classic Carlectables

Doogie’s rendition of the diecast HJ Sandman Panel Van

Welcome to the second episode of my Aussie Panel Van series. This time, we are looking at the Classic Carlectables 1/43 scale model of the 1974 Holden Hj Sandman panel van in Mandarin Red colour.  This edition is the V8 version with the GTS guards. Below, I have a picture showing the different grille and front changes that Holden made in the transition from the HQ version to the HJ version. See my first instalment of Aussie Panel Vans for more information here: HQ Sandman Panel Van

The HJ & HQ Classic Carlectables Holden Sandman Panel Vans side by side

As I suggested in my initial HQ Panel Van post, you will enjoy the idea of this model a whole lot more if you search the internet for images. I love these models but the real thing is obviously far more impressive. Here is a link to an auction of a Mandarin Red HJ Sandman Van, identical to the one we are looking at, which includes some good pictures here: HJ Sandman Auction

Classic Carlectables HJ Holden Sandman Panel Van in Mandarin Red

This from the site accessed from the link provided above: “If any Australian vehicle symbolised the sensational Seventies, it was Holden’s Sandman, a sporting package available to customers of the commercial range of utes and panel vans from 1974 until 1980. The Sandman will forever be associated with the thriving surf culture of the day and has since become an Aussie icon. The Sandman offered here was based on the HJ series Holden, an update of the HQ model introduced in October 1974, with improved equipment levels, more options and revised sheetmetal. The Sandman package consisted of bold graphics plus a host of features designed to appeal to a younger crowd, including the sports instrumentation, sports steering wheel, bucket seats and Rally road wheels sourced from the Monaro. Options included automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning and, as a marketing tool, the Sandman proved immensely successful for GM-H, pushing the final cost of many a panel van or ute well above the basic list price. For additional grunt, the Sandman could be ordered with a V8 (in either 4.2 or 5.0-litre guise) and equipped with a limited-slip diff. Holden’s panel vans proved remarkably popular with customisers, who came up with some amazing paint jobs, body modifications and fully decked-out interiors, but these days finding an original, unmolested Sandman is the dream of many enthusiasts and values have soared in recent years.”

The rear of the HJ Sandman Van complete with Doogies Diecast bumper sticker. How did they make them so small?

The HJ Sandman Van front

 

The underside of the Classic Carlectables HJ Sandman Van showing the spare and exhaust etc

I hope you have enjoyed this installment of Aussie Panel Vans. Look for more to come in the future where we will feature offerings from Both Ford and Chrysler, as well as more Sandmans. Please leave a comment and thanks for visiting my diecast spot on the WWW. Doogie.

 

Holden Sandman HJ Panel Van

 

 

 

Aussie Panel Van: 1974 HQ Holden Sandman

This is my first post in a new series on Aussie Diecast Panel Vans. I will be continuing my Aussie utes series so check for those entries in this blog. We kick off the new series with the Classic Carlectables 1/43 Scale Diecast 1974 HQ Holden Sandman Panel Van in Sunburst Metallic.

The Holden Sandman van has its roots in Holden’s commercial vehicle range. In 1974, Holden decided to release a sports version, along with a ute with the same name and thus a part of Aussie motoring history was born.

The 1974 V8 Holden Sandman Panelvan complete with GTS guards, mag wheels, and Sandman stipes and decals

The Sandman panel van, along with other brands and models of vans, soon became part of the Aussie surfside culture, and legend and lore. This website has some good info on Holden Sandmans with details of options and colours and more: Holden Sandman Panelvans

A couple of shots of the rear tailgate

A shot of the rear of the HQ Sandman Van showing V8, Sandman and stripe detail

Genuine Holden Sandman vans are a rare sight on the road these days. I suggest an internet image search for some great photos of the genuine and the mock ups that are still going around today. I remember when these were released. I clearly remember the day I saw a yellow Sandman on the highway and I wanted one then and I guess I would still like one now. I never have owned one. Yet.

A photo of the Sandman showing the roof and side detail.

I hope you have enjoyed my first Aussie panel van in my new panel van series. Please leave a comment in the comments section. Cheers, Doogie.

 

Aussie Utes: 1960 FB Holden Utility “Golden Fleece”

The tailgate of the Aussie made Holden FB Utility in Golden Fleece livery.

Welcome to another Aussie Utes post. This time we have the Trax diecast 1/43 scale model of the 1960 Holden FB Utility in Golden Fleece livery. Golden Fleece was a now defunct well known and loved Aussie petrol station brand. Golden Fleece holds a special place in many an Aussies memory and for me, it is no less. Golden Fleece was one of my favourite garages to visit for petrol, oil and a ‘maggot bag’ (meat pie) or a cup of coffee in the restaurant.

Holden 1960 FB Ute Golden Fleece

For a brief history on the Golden Fleece brand, see here: Golden Fleece

For a look at the Holden FB range, see here: Holden FB Range

Trax Holden FB Ute Golden Fleece

I particularly like this model since it combines a couple of Aussie Icons, Holden and Golden Fleece. Indeed anything with a Golden Fleece brand on it is now highly collectable and highly prized. Alas, this little model is all I possess and it is among my most treasured diecast models.

For an excellent diorama which includes this model, see here: Oz’s Golden Fleece FB Diorama

Golden Fleece Holden FB Ute

Doogies Car-Toon: Police Charger Pursues Stolen Monaro

The Stolen Monaro

NSW Highway Patrol Charger

Monaro HK GTS 140 MPH Speedo

I hope you enjoy my stylised car-toon using 1/43 scale diecast models. As you can see the theme is a NSW Highway Patrol Valiant Charger in pursuit of a stolen HK GTS Monaro, complete with the GTS 140 MPH speedo.

If you have enjoyed this entry, and would like to see more, please leave me a comment or suggestion.

Cheers, Doogie.